Buckled up no matter what

My parents live about 200 metres up the road from us, and on the occasions that we do drive there (we often end up walking), Beanie knows he must be buckled in. I’ve heard that most accidents occur just around the corner from your home too many times to take a chance.

Don’t get me wrong: it isn’t always easy.

I’ve made the long drive from Noordhoek to Somerset West with a buckled up screaming baby in the back, literally from the start to the end of my journey. Unable to stop on the dangerous N2, and with absolutely no chance of unbuckling him to soothe him. I’d much rather have a screaming baby (and shattered nerves) than have to face burying my baby, thank you very much.

There have been several times that I’ve had to stop the car to buckle Beanie up again now that he is a mobile, independent three year old. He’s at that age where unbuckling his seatbelt is all fun and games (to him, at least). Family members have criticised me for not allowing Beanie to ride on the back of a bakkie on a dirt road, but that’s ok. All it takes is one animal running across the road and my child could lose his life. It’s a risk I’m not willing to take. #CarseatFullstop. No excuses, no ifs or buts. Always, every time.